From Aug. 9 to 11, the Svolte di Popoli hill climb returns, a motorsport classic now in its 62nd year and included in the Italian North-South Mountain Speed Championship.
Organized byAsd Svolte di Popoli and Quelli delle Svolte, this year brings a relevant novelty promoted by theAutomobile Club Pescara in collaboration with Fisaps(Federazione Italiana Sportiva Automobilismo Patenti Speciali) and Anglat (Associazione Nazionale Guida Legislazioni Andicappati Trasporti): the participation of a driver with disabilities who leads the way in the race on an adapted vehicle.
Having completed the sports, administrative and technical scrutineering, official trials are held on Saturday, Aug. 10, and on Sunday, Aug. 11 from 9 a.m. the 62nd Svolte di Popoli Cronoscalata in two climbs, followed by the Italian Bicilindriche Championship “Salita” – Assominicar National Trophy Salita 2024 in two climbs and lastly the Rombi del Passato Cup – Parade of modern and historic cars also in two climbs between the first and second heats of the race and lastly the prize-giving in the finish area.
The Svolte di Popoli time trial took the baton from the Acerbo Cup in 1963 to become in the years to follow an unmissable event for specialists and fans. “Le Svolte,” as they are affectionately called by the inhabitants of Popoli Terme, saw Mauro Nesti as the undisputed protagonist, 11 victories in total and record holder on the long 10.1-kilometer course. The Roll of Honor is full of great drivers of hillclimb racing, from the winner of the first edition Cesare Toppetti to Stefano di Fulvio who won in 2023 through Stanislao Bielanski, the Abruzzese from Avezzano who wrote his name in golden letters in 1993 aboard an Osella Mavi, in 1996 with a Lucchini BMW and in 2004 with a Lucchini SP98.
Testifying to Strada dei Parchi ‘s commitment and proximity as the event’s main sponsor are the words ofCEO Costantino Ivoi: “Strada dei Parchi is honored to support one of Abruzzo’s historic sporting events, with more than 60 years of success. As concessionaires of a mountain highway that has put safety and sustainability at the heart of its daily commitment, we are thrilled to promote this initiative that continues to bring riders from all over the country to the heart of Europe’s Green Region.”
